liberty ministries - celebrating over 21 years of ministry

january february 2017

newsfromtheroad the official newsletter of liberty ministries

one day at a timeI don't know how the lyrics of a song can get stuck in your mind, and like a long-playing record, they just keep playing over and over again. But that is what happened recently with an old song by Cristy Lane called One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus. These lyrics are familiar to many of you reading this, I am sure: One day at a time sweet Jesus That's all I am asking from you. Just give me the strength To do everyday what I have to do. Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus And tomorrow may never be mine. Lord help me today, show me the way One day at a time.

The past couple of months of Liberty Ministries rings true to the words of this song. I have said it before that the only predictable thing often in life is the unpredictable.

We are excited about the Lord opening doors for the ministry with the addition of Derek Simonis to Liberty. Transitions are hard - leaving family, moving across the US, starting a new career, and breaking off relationships with long time friends. We welcome Derek, his wife, Jana, and his two young children to Idaho and look forward to their arrival in February.

Philip Batton was a great addition to Liberty when he joined the quartet. Philip not only brought a strong tenor voice, but a family history of great songs that his father had authored. Many of those songs became favorites of our listeners whether Philip was singing or they were being sung by other members of the group. In keeping with the

lyrics of the song: Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine. Lord help me today, show me the way, one day at a time. Philip and Susie are walking that line of the song. Our prayers and thoughts are with them as they venture into new territory as a married couple.

So now, we are in search again for a tenor singer to join Liberty. We have informally transitioned the name away from Liberty Quartet to just Liberty. This allows for integrity and credibility in promotion during these transition times.

It is helpful to realize that transition is not unique to Liberty. I was watching a DVD the other night, and Bill Gaither was highlighting transitions in the Vocal Band and other groups on stage. In each, there was a disturbance that came with the announcement, but the hand of God worked things out and the ministry flourished in new and wonderful ways. This is probably why the aforemetioned song has been so close to my heart. I can hear the Lord saying, "Liberty, just take one day at a time; that's all I am asking from you. You'll have the strength to do everyday what you have to do." We covet your prayers and support of the ministry during these days.

Rick WaitleyExecutive Director

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uPcoming concert schedule

Jan 13

Jan 14

Jan 15

Jan 20

Jan 22

Jan 22

Jan 23

Feb 3

Feb 4

Feb 5

Feb 5

Feb 19-20

Feb 24

Feb 25

Feb 26

Feb 26

Moreno Christian Assembly7:00 PM

Long Beach First Nazarene7:00 PM

Caliente Springs RV Resort6:00 PM

Menlo Park Presbyterian Church6:30 PM

Southwest Church8:00 AM

Quartzsite Alliance Church6:00 PM

Southwest Church7:00 PM

Church of the Nazarene4:30 PM / 7:00 PM

Church of the Nazarene6:00 PM

Green Valley Community Church8:00 AM / 9:30 AM / 11:00 AM

Bonita Vista Mobile Home Park7:00 PM

New Life Community Church of the Nazarene7:00 PM

Maricopa Community Church6:00 PM

Grand Community Baptist Church10:00 AM

Calvary Chapel6:00 PM

Moreno Valley, CA

Long Beach, CA

Desert Hot Springs, CA

Menlo Park, CA

Indian Wells, CA

Quartzsite, AZ

Indian Wells, CA

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Sierra Vista, AZ

Green Valley, AZ

Apache Junction, AZ

Show Low, AZ

Maricopa, AZ

Surprise, AZ

Surprise, AZ

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The first Southern Gospel concert I remember going to was The Cathedrals.

I am a proud supporter of the Tennessee Titans and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

You may have seen his bio, but here are the ten things that our new baritone singer, Derek, feels you need to know about him!

I have two older sisters, Kim and Kelley.

I love to play basketball, swim, read, and play with my boys in my free time.

I am currently pursuing a BS in Business Administration through Colorado Christian University.

My life's scripture verse is Romans 12:1 - look it up!

I met my wife when I sang at her church. We were engaged a month later and married six months after that.

I grew up in a musical family singing in church regularly, and my mother taught music and piano for almost 50 years.

We have two boys. Daniel is 6 years old and Avery is 2.

I am married to my sweetheart and best friend, Jana, and we will celebrate 8 years of marriage on Valentine's Day.

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No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.I CORINTHIANS 10:13, NIV

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.JOHN 10:10, NKJV

As we live in Christ, the Lord has not only provided a way of escape from temptation to bear and endure the temptation, but He has come to give life more abundantly.

But take courage! I (Jesus) have overcome the world.JOHN 16:33

Each day we face and experience the realities of this world such as sorrow, fear, fatigue, loss, anxiety, pain, suffering, hurry, burdens, physical deficiencies, hunger, financial issues, tension, and even death.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.PHILIPPIANS 1:21, NIV

The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.PSALM 24:1, NKJV

In Christ we find Liberty! The abundant life is found in relationship, more specifically a relationship with Christ.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned ... Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.ISAIAH 43:2A; 43:4, NIV

Because of God's promises, I am convinced that as we walk through the world's realities, He walks with us. We are precious to Him! When God gets you through the difficulties and you overcome the adversities, share with others. We are in this together.

L.F.J. (Live For Jesus)

abundant life

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PRAISE GOD PRAYER REQUESTS

We have learned to be patient in waiting for God's guidance in filling positions. We are so thankful the Lord brought Derek Simonis and his family into the Liberty family!

Though we had limited seating (sold out) for our "The Wonder of Christmas" event in Meridian, ID, we wish you all could have attended. Our office staff did an incredible job with the event! Christmas decor, a classy presentation of desserts, and even the nicely printed program were all added to our concert with previous members John Cotner and Keith Jones joining us... It was a recipe to praise the Lord!

The Board of Directors has been a steadying force through some turbulent times. Lead by Chairman, Keith Waggoner, they have lead courageously, prayerfully, biblically principled, and as unto the Lord. Praise the Lord for these servants.

The prayer team and believers in the ministry of Liberty grows weekly. Prayer is essential with heavenly implications. 2 Chronicles 30:27 says, "Then the Leviticle priests arose and blessed the people; and their voice was heard and their prayer came to His holy dwelling place, to heaven." We couldn't be more thankful to all of you.

Paul has thankfully offered to sing tenor during this time of transition. Derek has also offered to sing lead and Royce to sing baritone/bass until a new tenor is found. This is temporary and a stretch for each of us. We are thankful for their willingness.

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Pray for spiritual unity for Liberty, AMG office staff, Liberty Board, leaders of churches and venues.(Ephesians 4:3-6 & John 17:21)

The departure of Philip leaves us once again searching for a new member. The Lord already knows who the next tenoris for Liberty and the ministry. We seek sensitivity and discernment to hear His voice and come to true knowledge (James 1:5). We covet your prayers for the Lord's spiritual direction.

Pray for Philip and Susie Batton. God is healing their lives and marriage. The new road and spiritual walk is a journey worth climbing. There are mountains, valleys, tunnels, and curves for each of us to traverse (Proverbs 3:5-6). Please pray for a strengthened and victorious life in Christ!

We are putting together a program/song list for the beginning of 2017. This is an arduous task. While we want a joyful and enlightened presentation (Psalms 100:2), we also seek the Lord on a service of worship with songs that minister to believers and lyrics that lead the non-believer to repentance.

Pray for vocal endurance and focus on memorization. Quality sleep and rest are vital. Many folks struggle with this so we know you understand (Matthew 11:28-29).

Derek Simonis and his wife, Jana, and sons, Daniel (6) and Avery (2), will be moving in early February and taking the 1,500 mile trek from northwest Illinois to southwest Idaho. To those who have made similar moves, you know the logistics can be complicated. Weather and road conditions, packing and unpacking, saying goodbye, building new relationships, adapting to a traveling ministry... and the list goes on! General transition prayers are requested.

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http://www.imcconcerts.com/event.php?id=127

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use this form or go online to become a member of liberty ministries

membership with liberty ministries, inc.Above, you will find the membership renewal form. You can also submit your dues at the bottom of the home page online. Lifetime Membership is also available. All funds received for holding membership in Liberty Ministries are used for sustainability of the ministry's future. Thank you to our loyal members. If you have membership questions, contact Mindy Crow in the Liberty office at 208-938-9364 or mindy@libertyquartet.com.

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